Belfast derby the pick of the ties with quarter-final spots up for grabs
THE Belfast derby meeting of Glentoran and Crusaders at The Oval on Tuesday night is the stand-out fixture in the second round of the Bet McLean Cup.
The Glens completed a smash-and-grab victory over Declan Caddell's struggling Crues when the sides met in the league on October 25, with two late goals giving the east Belfast men a 3-2 success.
It has been a difficult time for Crusaders, with Saturday's 2-0 loss at Dungannon Swifts leaving the north Belfast club second-from-bottom in the Sports Direct Premiership. With only three wins from 12 games, they badly need the fillip that would come from an unexpected cup win.
Glentoran, on the other hand, have been consistent in their league form, summed up by a gritty 2-1 win over Portadown on Friday night.
Their striker David Fisher got the winner at Seaview the week before last, but despite the contrasting form of the clubs, he is taking nothing for granted.
"The BetMcLean Cup is a massive competition and everyone in the squad wants to be part of it," said the former AFC Wimbledon attacker.
"We've started the season strongly, but we know nothing is won in November. It's about maintaining high standards and focusing on one game at a time.
"Crusaders will be another big test for us. They are a top side and will feel they could have taken something from our last meeting, so we need to make sure we are ready from the first whistle.
"Crusaders gave us a really tough game the other week and will probably feel they could have taken something from it. They've got a lot of young, hungry players who play with real energy.
"They'll be looking to kick-start their campaign with a good run in this competition, and we know we'll need to match that intensity from the first whistle. The focus is on starting well, playing with energy, taking our chances and making sure we book our place in the next round."
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Elsewhere on Tuesday, the other all-Premiership match-up sees Larne host Bangor at Inver Park. The home team's exceptional league form continued when they saw off Ballymena United 2-0 at the weekend and they will be favourites to reach the last eight.
However, Bangor have been an inspiration to all promoted sides, taking the return to the top flight in their stride.
They will be hurting from their late loss to Carrick Rangers at the weekend and Lee Feeney should have his team fired up.
Armagh City of the Championship - who defeated Carrick in the first round - have been rewarded with a trip to Premiership leaders Coleraine.
City are languishing in 11th in the second tier and anything other than a home win would be a huge surprise.
Another side seeking an upset are Newry City of the Premier Intermediate division, who welcome Premiership basement boys Glenavon to The Showgrounds. After seeing off Portadown in the last round, manager Newry boss Stuart King will fancy taking another top-flight scalp.
In the night's other ties Ballymena welcome Newington, while Dungannon host Moyola Park in a mid-Ulster derby.
Wednesday night sees holders Cliftonville welcome Strabane Athletic to Solitude, with a win the only acceptable outcome for frustrated Reds fans.
Finally, Linfield make the trip across Belfast to H&W Welders who currently sit third in the Championship.